Statement of significance:

Impressive, Late Victorian, Boom Style mansion. Capable of full reconstruction despite unsympathetic alterations. One of the few grand Victorian villas built in the Waverley Council area to survive in its original setting. High local significance.

Date significance updated: 24 Oct 99

Note: There are incomplete details for a number of items listed in NSW. The Heritage Division intends to develop or upgrade statements of significance and other information for these items as resources become available.

Description

Construction years:

1890-1890

Physical description:

Grand Victorian mansion. Has suffered a number of major alterations, mostly to its double verandah. Now enclosed upstairs with all detail lost downstairs. Symmetrical design. All hipped roof, now in unsympathetic blue, terra cotta tiles. Central tower over entry. Verandahs return down sides. Entry tower and chimneys retain good decorative mouldings. French doors true to style if not original. Main door replaced. Original grounds, steps, gates and palisade fence retained (see landscape inventory form). Various additions at the rear, as well as two storey timber outbuilding,. Has a steep pitched iron roof with decorative gables.

Further information:

Reasons for listing: Historical; social; architectural; aesthetic.

Current use:

Mansion

Former use:

Hostel/hospital

History

Historical notes:

This is almost certainly the building recorded in Sands Directory in 1886, as the home of James Ryan. Became a hostel for women in 1924. Later a psychiatric hospital, and more recently (1967) a convalescent hospital. This use ceased in 1987. Pediment to tower lost after lightning damage.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)

New South Wales theme

Local theme

4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities

Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.

(none)-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)[Historical significance]

Impressive, Late Victorian, Boom Style mansion. Capable of full reconstruction despite unsympathetic alterations. One of the few grand Victorian villas built in the Waverley Council area to survive in its original setting. High local significance.